Concerns over illegal mining in Taraba State have increased as mining activities reportedly continue to expand in parts of the state despite repeated government suspensions and an existing ban on mining operations.
Reports indicate that Bali Local Government Area, particularly Mayo Kam village in Kusum Ward, has become a major hotspot for suspected illegal mining activities, with a growing number of miners allegedly arriving from different parts of Nigeria and other countries.
Investigations revealed that some of the miners are reportedly coming from states including Zamfara, while others are said to have entered from foreign countries such as Libya and Egypt to engage in unauthorised mining activities.
The influx is believed to be linked to the discovery of mineral deposits locally known as Wul and Kuza, which have attracted miners seeking to exploit the resources.
Community sources expressed concern that the rise in illegal mining in Taraba State could worsen insecurity, increase environmental damage, and undermine government efforts to regulate mining activities.
Although residents described the movement of miners into the area as significant, the exact number of individuals involved could not be independently confirmed.
Security sources also alleged that some miners have been using alternative routes to avoid security checkpoints, reportedly accessing Mayo Kam through River Tella in neighbouring Gassol Local Government Area by boat.
The development has raised concerns that organised groups may be deliberately attempting to bypass government restrictions and security measures.
Residents warned that failure to address the situation could expose Bali Local Government Area to security challenges similar to those experienced in Zamfara State, where illegal mining has been linked to banditry, armed attacks, and criminal activities.
A community stakeholder, Ubale Sadiku, acknowledged the efforts of the Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force but called for more government support and additional manpower to strengthen its operations.
“The Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force has been working tirelessly around the clock to end illegal mining across the state, particularly here in Bali. However, the state government needs to provide the task force with the necessary support and manpower,” he said.
Sadiku alleged that many of the miners were entering Taraba from North-West states, particularly Zamfara, as well as some African countries, warning that the situation could create further security challenges if not urgently addressed.
Another resident, Vinki Edmond, accused some traditional rulers and community leaders of failing to support government efforts by allegedly allowing illegal miners to operate within their communities.
He urged authorities to hold community leaders accountable in areas where illegal mining activities continue.
The concerns come as the Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force continues operations aimed at stopping unauthorised mining activities across the state.
Recently, the task force, led by Superintendent of Police Jamu Emmanuel Lyon, arrested 14 suspected illegal miners who were allegedly heading to an illegal mining site in Taraba.
According to the task force, the suspects were arrested following intelligence reports, with preliminary findings indicating that they came from Bauchi, Gombe, and Zamfara states.
Lyon confirmed that the suspects remained in custody and would be handed over to the Taraba State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.
He warned that anyone found violating mining laws would face legal action.
“We are here to send a clear message. They can run today, but they cannot run forever. They will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The task force also urged residents to provide useful information that would assist security agencies in protecting the state’s mineral resources and maintaining peace.
The growing illegal mining in Taraba State has renewed calls for urgent action from the state government and security agencies to prevent a possible security crisis in Bali Local Government Area.
BACKSTORY:
Taraba State has for years been identified as one of Nigeria’s states with significant mineral deposits, including gold and other valuable resources. However, the increasing interest in mining activities has also created challenges for authorities, particularly around illegal exploitation of natural resources, environmental damage, and security risks.
The Taraba State Government has repeatedly suspended mining activities and placed restrictions on mining operations as part of efforts to regulate the sector, protect communities, and prevent criminal elements from using mining sites as cover for illegal activities.
Despite these measures, reports of renewed illegal mining activities in Taraba State have continued, with Bali Local Government Area emerging as one of the areas attracting attention. Communities in the area have raised concerns over the growing presence of miners allegedly coming from different parts of Nigeria and other countries to exploit mineral deposits, including resources locally referred to as Wul and Kuza.
The situation has raised fears that Taraba could experience security challenges similar to those linked to illegal mining in parts of the North-West, particularly Zamfara State, where mining activities have previously been associated with banditry, armed violence, and criminal networks.
Security agencies and the Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force have continued efforts to clamp down on unauthorised mining operations. The task force has carried out arrests and warned individuals involved in illegal mining that they would face prosecution.
However, community stakeholders have argued that enforcement alone may not be enough, calling for stronger government support, improved intelligence gathering, and greater involvement of local leaders in preventing illegal mining activities.
The latest concerns over mining activities in Bali Local Government Area have renewed calls for urgent intervention to protect Taraba’s natural resources, maintain security, and prevent the emergence of a wider crisis.
